Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation
Our Language

Isga Owawabi - Our Language

The Stoney language is a gift to the Stoney people from the Creator. It embodies all that is fundamental
to the identity of a Stoney. Historically, the elders passed this gift on to the younger generations.
It took a lifetime to share their knowledge of the language and culture. Today, we live in a
fast-paced technological age where we get our information from the media and the internet instantaneously;
less time is spent with our elders and the traditional means of passing on the language and culture
is not as effective as it once was.

I'sga I?abi recognizes the invaluable resource we have in our elders and the limited amount of time
available to use this resource. Therefore, elders will play a significant role in teaching the
Stoney language and culture in the school.

Each Stoney community includes a number of different Stoney dialects which are generally distinguished
by family clans. Isga I?abi recognizes each dialect as equally legitimate and important as the
others. While the instructor teaches his/her own dialect of Stoney, acceptance and understanding
of dialectal differences is promoted in the Stoney classroom.

Language Revival Efforts

The primary approach to reviving the language has been to teach the Stoney language in the community
school. It is a required course for grades 1-9 and an accredited course for high school. Alexis
Board of Education was sponsored by the Government of Alberta, Alberta Learning, to develop a
High School Stoney Language curriculum for grades 10, 11, and 12. The first two levels are completed
and the grade 12 level is currently being developed as well as post-secondary level. When the
curriculum is completed then each level of the curriculum will be available for distribution
and opportunities for advanced education will be available.

Alexis Stoney Language Program

The goal of Isga I?abi is to equip students with the necessary linguistic skills and knowledge to
enable them to communicate competently and confidently in Stoney both in school and in community
contexts.

Students will develop proficiency in Stoney through experience in various media of communication.
Speaking and listening skills will enhance students' cognitive abilities to explore ideas, to
organize information, to gain understanding, and to develop the interactive aspect of language
(i.e. conversation). Reading and writing skill further enrich students' cognitive development.
Literacy provides students with an alternative means of expression and accessing information,
which requires comprehension, interpretation of meaning, formulation of thought, and creativity
of expression.

Students who learn Stoney will enhance their language skills and their cognitive skills. The development
of these second language skills will enhance the development of their first language. Increased
proficiency in English will not only boost the students' confidence but it will also improve
their academic performance.

Learning Stoney will bridge a generational gap that is intensified by the limited communication between
young and old due to language differences. It will provide the students with a means for interacting
with their parents and with the older generations who are not fluent in English. Increased interaction
between generations and among families will strengthen familial and generational bonds, which
in turn will build a sense of unity in the Alexis community.

To learn a language is to gain an understanding of the concepts, philosophies, expressions, lifestyle,
and humour unique to that culture. Learning Stoney will open a window of perspective that was
not accessible to the English-only student because a Stoney speaker has a unique perspective
and understanding of the world that can only be understood through the Stoney language. In this
way, being able to speak Stoney will provide the students with the means to explore their Stoney
history, spirituality, cultural values, traditions, and beliefs. Gaining an understanding of
their culture will help the students to develop a positive self-concept and self-identity.

As more and more people speak Stoney the hope for the preservation of the language grows. Maintaining
the language preserves the cultural attitudes and perspectives that are inextricably tied to
the language.